The song "Verses" by John Cale explores themes of morality, self-reflection, and the consequences of our actions. It begins with the narrator trying to teach someone about the Golden Rule, which is the idea of treating others as you would like to be treated. However, these teachings seem to go unnoticed or unappreciated as they become invisible under the moon, symbolizing a lack of understanding or disregard for this moral principle. The lyrics then delve into a metaphorical imagery of gambling on the weather to keep the fever down, suggesting a desperate attempt to control or suppress negative emotions or consequences. As the song progresses, the narrator expresses a sense of frustration and being suffocated by someone who steps on their throat, representing an oppressive presence or a lack of consideration from others. The phrase "comfortably measured by the standards that you set, apart from the Golden Rule" emphasizes the hypocrisy and self-centeredness of this person who fails to live by the principles they expect from others. The idea of being the next in line and accepting it without question suggests a sense of resignation or conformity to societal norms. In the chorus, the narrator confesses to missing the person they are with and struggling to breathe, possibly alluding to the suffocating nature of their relationship or the emotional turmoil caused by their actions. The line "you thought listening was for fools" highlights the person's lack of empathy or interest in truly understanding others, underestimating the importance of active and considerate communication. The narrator blames this lack of empathy on the Golden Rule, implying that the person has twisted or misinterpreted its meaning to suit their own desires or ego. The mention of coal smoke on the city and scribbling in a notebook soaked with rain denotes an atmosphere of decay, reminiscent of an older, forgotten time. The stumble on cobblestones and mixing with the crowd represent the challenges and struggles encountered in life, while the reference to another verse in the Golden Rule suggests a continuous cycle of understanding, learning, and applying moral principles. Overall, "Verses" by John Cale serves as a reflection on the importance of empathy, morality, and self-awareness in our relationships and interactions with others, as well as the consequences of disregarding these principles.
